Hello friends and neighbors // It used to be my S&W 586 6" .357
The 586 had to do everything HD/SD/Hunting.
I now think a HD/SD handgun should be a snubbie due to the take away factor of a longer barrel when grappleing. The 6" would be very easy to grab.
Now I have a S&W 442 1 7/8".
It is either on me or in the pocket of a pair of shorts next to the bed. I get up, put on the shorts and I have the 442 and a flashlight set on pulse at hand.
Trigger: For me it is DAO (safer)
I had a guy tell me about the time his dog jumped up and cocked the hammer on his IWB 638
Round capacity: 5 shots of .38+P
As soon as I get the 870 up the 442 is back up.
Sights: Lacking on a 442 (black on black)
I asked the women in my family to suggest types of nail polish they thought might be good. Mom won with the "Wet Shine Diamonds" hot pink. The pink is easy to focus on and the "diamonds" actuall sparkle with very little light. Improved my groups at the range right away.
Type: I'm a Revolver guy
No safety,no racking,no hoping I oiled it enough
I have semiautos but I shoot some weapons better than others.
Grips: I prefer the Hogue extended grips for my 442.
MY main reason for using the 442 is that I practice with and carry it more than any other handgun I have right now. So my muscle memory and mind set should be tuned in quicker if I awaken to trouble.
So I suggest,from those you list, you use the handgun you are most tuned in to naturally. The one you can grab and shoot the X without thinking.(too much)